Tour '25, Stage 8: The One that Matters

When the sprint opened up in Laval Espace Mayenne the only guy who could even come close to holding onto the Italian sprinter's wheel was Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike).  But not even the former Belgium champion could spoil Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) from winning his first Tour de France stage.  While he is wearing the sprinter's Maillot Vert, he didn't lead the sprint composition until he crossed the finish line.  To explain, if someone holds more than one jersey they will wear the highest ranking one like the Maillot Jaune over the Maillot Vert.  If that is the case, the guy sitting in second place will wear the lesser jersey instead.  So, while he started the day wearing green on loan, with this victory he now is leading the sprint competition and owns the jersey outright.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The One that Matters TdF25-52" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Strade Bianche 24: A Giant in Cycling

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) is already a huge figure in contemporary cycling, but today he out did even himself.  Two years ago he won Strade Bianche with a fifty kilometer solo break away.  At this point he has just over two minutes on the field with another 68 kilometers to race.  With every pedal stroke he was gaining on the disorganized “chase” behind, so it was unlikely that he would be caught.  Should this attempt hold, it will be the longest successful break in the race’s somewhat short history.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/4002733-556-195767/Painting/a-giant-of-cycling-sb24-9.html

68 k

Tour Down Under '23: Checking His Own Time

Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) had the foresight to go early in the opening prologue of the Tour Down Under.  With rain in the forecast, he chose an early start.  While not knowing what times he needed to beat, he did have the advantage of dry roads on the short five and a half kilometer individual time trial.  That advantage proved to be the winning edge for the Italian.  He will go into the first road stage of the return of the Tour Down Under since the start of the Covid pandemic, wearing the Ochre Jersey of race leader.  He has an eight second lead over the American Magnus Sheffield and up to forty seconds over most of his main rivals.  In a tour that is usually decided by less than ten seconds, he may have won the race before the first road stage.  However, there are three hill top finishes this year.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3927865-147-194179/Painting/checking-his-own-time-tdu23-1.html

Tour '22, Stage 3: Getting Him Going

It isn't just the start riders that make a win at the Tour de France possible, it takes the entire team.  Not only the domestiques, but the mechanics, soigneurs, chefs, nutritionists, drivers and everyone else that makes a team function.  One of Jakobsen's leadout men, Andrea Bagioli (Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl) gets a quick wheel change and a push from the team car's mechanic to get him up and running.  With 31 kilometers until the end of the stage, Bagioli will certainly be able to get up to the front to do his part for his team's sprinter.

Watch as I create this painting in real time.  I talk about the Tour and how to create a compelling cycling watercolor with ink and paint.

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and giving this post a thumbs up.  Plus I would love to hear your comments about this and the rest of my cycling art.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3891871-14-294403/Painting/getting-him-going-tdf22-14.html

Milano Sanremo: Cramped Up, Cramped Out

Having lost the wheels of his erstwhile break away companions near the top of the Capo Berta, Filippo Conca (Lotto Soudal) had pushed deep to catch back on.  Perhaps he went too deep.  As he rode along the bottom of the climb he suddenly shoot out his leg as straight as possible.  The next thing we knew he was grimacing in pain and rubbing out his legs as he came to a stop.  I felt the need to paint this moment having had a similar experience on century rides all too often.  Conca had cramped terribly after being off the front in a break away for over 250 kilometers thus far.  As he stretched his leg out, he soon fell to the ground in pain.  It looked like his day of racing was done, but that would be assuming he wasn't determined.  Surprisingly, he got back on his bike moments after I painted this.  He would have been caught by the peloton not long after, but I didn't see him for the rest of the day.  Still, particualry for an Italian it is very important to finish a race on his home soil.  I can relate, I have finished every century I have started, leg cramps or not.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873549-466-195767/Painting/cramped-up-cramped-out-ms22-3.html

Milano-Sanremo 2021, Ready for a Long Effort

 Milano-Sanremo is known as the longest race of the year, a complete race of 299 kilometers with another 7 kilometers of a neutral roll out.  This year the broadcasters decided it would be a good idea to show the race from start to finish.  I confess, I did skip some sections of the race.  Hell, I even took a break and went out for a sixty kilometer ride myself.  After all, it was a beautiful, mild, Sunday afternoon.  Yes, yes, I know the race was held on Saturday, but I couldn't get enough time together to paint the race until Sunday.  The early break got away at just six kilometers with seven guys, an eigth joined a little bit later on.  Included in this painting are Nicola Conci (Trek-Segafredo), two riders from Novo Nordisk (the team composed of riders whom all have type II diabetes); Andrea Peron and Charles Planet, and Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermache-Wanty-Gobert).  It is unlikely that they will all stay away for the remaining 289 kilometers but it could happen... it didn't.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-2021/3801704-12-290150/Painting/ready-for-a-long-effort-sr21-1.html

Milano-Sanremo, Keeping His Distance

Descending off of the Cipressa, Daniel Oss (Bora-Hansgrohe) opened up a rather large gap on the following peloton.  On the way down, he had a near miss with the camera moto, almost coming down on one of the sharp turns on the cliffs over the sea.  Once off the front Oss road hard to keep the peloton from catching him up.  Along the roads, fans safely observed their social distancing (and wore masks) just as Oss kept his social distance from the rest of the race. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3632941-15-280747/Painting/keeping-his-distance-ms20-4.html

Milano-Sanremo, Looking for His Car

Normally the last of the Spring Monuments, the 111th Milano-Sanremo was moved to the heat of August for this Covid-19 altered 2020 cycling season.  Since Italy is finally opening up, the race was allowed, but the mayors along the traditional coast roads refused to close the roads for the race.  After all they finally could generate some very much needed tourist income.  So not only is this edition hotter than normal, it is racing on new inland roads that made the race into a 305 kilometer race.

With still another 97 kilometers to race, Leonardo Bonifazio (Total Direct Energie) was dropping off the back of the peloton in search of his team car.  It was of the upmost importance to keep feed and hydrated on this longest of races of the season.  The camera didn't stay with Bonifazio to confirm that he was getting supplies for himself or for all of his teammates, but I am sure it was the latter.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3632899-12-280747/Painting/looking-for-his-team-car-ms20-1.html

Strade Bianche, The Final Section

Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Pro Cycling) was joined by Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck-Quickstep) as the two dropped down onto the final gravel section of the day.  The duo was a minute behind the chasing threesome, and another six seconds behind the sole leader on the road.  With just under thirteen kilometers left to race, it was unlikely either would be taking the day. 

I was impressed to see the race marshall, with his warning flag under his arm, wearing his face mask, and wearing it properly.  We all need to be wearing one whenever we are out if we want to get back to watching bike racing and all of the other things (and people) we love.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3609835-10-280747/Painting/the-final-section-sb20-10.html

Strade Bianche, Opening a Gap

With just nineteen of the 183 kilometers remaining, it was Greg Van Avermaet (CCC) that was letting a gap go on the penultimate gravel section of the day.  Ahead, the trio of Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates), Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) was just getting on with chasing the disappearing Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma).  I was sad to see the reigning Olympic Champion not able to hold the wheels, I am a fan of the Belgium.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3609826-9-280747/Painting/opening-a-gap-sb20-9.html

Tour, Stage 20: As Promised

It looked like Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) was taking his cue from the great opera starts of Italy as he bowed to the crowd atop the Val Thorens.  Nibali had suffered illness and less than ideal form throughout the first two third of the Tour, but he came right when it mattered.  Nibali had promised his fans a stage win and earlier in the Tour it looked like that wasn't going to happen.  To his credit, he stuck it out, staying in the Tour.  Today was his last chance to deliver on his promise, and he found the legs to do it.  It may well have helped that the stage was just one climb instead of the planned three.  He seemed to fade as the previous stages grinded on.  No matter, he has the stage win he came for.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3366255-118-263530/As%20Promised%20%20TDF19-118.html

Tour, Stage 20: The Last Chance

For those who aren't sprinters, today was the last chance to win a stage in the 2019 Tour de France.  Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) had come to the Tour not to win the race (something he has done in all three grand tours) but to win a stage.  At the start in Albertville today he had yet to accomplish that feat.  So it was that he was off the front with just six kilometers left to climb.  At least one countryman found the Italian and literally flew the flag for Italy.  Hopefully, Nibali can do it figuratively.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3366234-117-263530/The%20Last%20Chance%20%20TDF19-117.html

Tour, Stage 4: Full Out Gallop

As anticipated, it was a mass sprint for the line in Nancy. By a very narrow margin, it was Elia Viviani (Deceuninck-Quick Step) getting the best of all of this Tour's fast men.  That makes two stages for his team, and two for Jumbo-Visma.  Sagan managed fourth on the stage, but was out of picture frame.  I am excited to say that Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) proved he isn't done sprinting with the new generation of sprinters taking second on the stage.  Others in this painting include; Michael Matthews (Sunweb) -9th, Giacomo Nizzolo (Dimension Data) - 7th, and Maximiliano Richeze (Deceuninck-Quick Step) - 19th (he was riding for the stage winner.  I'm looking forward to the next couple of sprint stages.  It will be equally interesting to see who is left to contest the last sprint on the Champs Elysees.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3357934-20-263530/Full%20Out%20Gallop%20%20TDF19-20.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 3: Team Work

EF Education First was using some true team tactics today.  James Whelan had been out in the break all day.    Two guys jumped out of the peloton and bridged across to the original break, each had a teammate to join up with.  As the original group slowly fell apart, Whelan was able to press on helping his fresh legged teammate, Alberto Bettiol.  The duo put everything they had into the difficult final circuits around Uraidla.  The effort was most likely doomed, but it allowed the rest of the team to "rest" back in the chasing peloton.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3285582-127-194179/PaintingTeam-Work-TDU19-9.html

Tour, Stage 3 TTT: Still There?

That was the question after the short steep climb ahead of the second time check.  Unfortunatley for Bora-Hansgrohe, the Maillot Jaune of Peter Sagan wasn't.  With the GC hopes of Raphael Majka on the line, those left together, including Daniel Oss and Maciej Bodnar couldn't afford to wait for Sagan.  Don't worry, while he lost the yellow jersey, he held fast to the jersey he has won six times before, the Maillot Vert of most consistant sprinter. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2018/3185368-15-251072/PaintingStill-There?--T18-15.html

Giro, Stage 20: What He Must Do

Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) had only one option if he was going to win the Giro d'Italia.  Attack, attack, attack.  With ten kilometers left to race for GC, Dumoulin went hard on a steep section of the climb up to Cervinia.  Chris Froome (Sky) was quickly on to the Dutchman's wheel.  The two traded blows the rest of the way up to the finish of the last stage of hostilities.  The stage on the streets of Rome will be one for the sprinters, but it is tradition not to attack the Maglia Rosa on the final day of the Giro, as it is in the Tour de France or the Veulta d'Espania.  At this point, Dumoulin was the only one in the group with a teammate.  He had the able assistance of Sam Oomen, who was hoping that he could help is team leader while also moving up in the Maglia Bianca for himself.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169717-89-249297/PaintingWhat-He-Must-Do--G18-93.html

Giro, Stage 20: The Last 10 K of Climbing

As Mikel Nieve (Mitchelton-Scott) started up the final climb of this Giro d'Italia, the Cervinia, he set off on his own.  Nieve had been working tirelessly helping is team leader, Simon Yates, hold onto his Maglia Rosa for thirteen days.  Now he was free to use his climbing prowess to his own gain.  Riding under the ten kilometers to go banner, it was looking like he was going to get his first stage win, and the sixth for his team.  Despite not holding the Maglia Rosa all of the way to Rome, Mitchelton-Scott has had a brilliant Giro!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169675-88-249297/PaintingThe-Last-10-K-of-Climbing--G18-92.html

Giro, Stage 20: Free to Race

Given the collapse of Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida), his teammate, Matej Mohoric was free to race for himself on the penultimate stage of this the 101st Giro d'Italia.  Mohoric had left his break away companions at the base of the Col Saint Pantaleon in hopes of imitating Froome's feat from the day before.  With forty four kilometers to race, it was a tall order for the Slovenian to stay off the front despite that he was no threat to any of those in the top ten on the general classification.  The other possiblity is that he was setting himself up as a aide for Pozzovivo to bridge up to on the final climb.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169669-86-249297/PaintingFree-to-Race--G18-90.html

Giro, Stage 20: The Fruit of His Labors

Team Sky just had to pay attention today.  Chris Froome's brilliant riding over the past two days have put him into the maglia rosa.   He has 46 seconds on the rider who has been second overall for the entire 101st Giro d'Italia, Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb).  As the peloton started up the Col Tescore, Froome had Salvatore Puccio and Sergio Henao in front and Wout Poels bringing up the rear.  They looked ready for anything Dumoulin would try.  None of the others were close enough to his lead to be much of a worry to the likely holder of all three grand tour titles similtaneously. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169465-85-249297/PaintingThe-Fruit-of-His-Labors--G18-89.html

Giro, Stage 19: Maximum Risk

Sometimes you have to go against what is expected to make something happen.  That is what Team Sky and Chris Froome set out to do on the Colle del Finestre.  The team road hard all day, drivng a ferocious pace up the lower slopes of this monumental climb.  When Froome's last teammate rolled off the front, it was time for the four time winner of the Tour de France to go.  Attacking solo at 74 kilometers to race is a huge risk, particularly with another two mountains to climb before this Queen Stage was over.  But as an artist and a former amateur racer, I know that nothing risked most often means nothing gained.  At this point in the climb he isn't quite into the virtual lead yet, but it sure looks like he will be at the end of the stage.  The tifosi are certainly enjoying the show.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168911-80-249297/PaintingMaximum-Risk--G18-85.html